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Public Historian Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LSA Associates INC

Architectural Historian

Irvine, CA

$93K - $116K/yr

LSA is seeking an Architectural Historian to work on a salary or hourly, project-hire basis in its ... public and private sectors as being thorough, innovative, and objective. LSA's employee-owners are ...

LSA Associates, Inc.

Architectural Historian

Irvine, CA · On-site

$93K - $116K/yr

LSA is seeking an Architectural Historian to work on a salary or hourly, project-hire basis in its ... public and private sectors as being thorough, innovative, and objective. LSA's employee-owners are ...

Wood Plc

Architectural Historian

Reno, NV · Remote

$35 - $40/hr

Overview / Responsibilities Wood is seeking an experienced Architectural Historian to work on-call ... Master's Degree in Architectural History, Historic Preservation, Public History, Architecture, or ...

Wood Plc

Architectural Historian

Santa Barbara, CA · Remote

$35 - $40/hr

Overview / Responsibilities Wood is seeking an experienced Architectural Historian to work on-call ... Master's Degree in Architectural History, Historic Preservation, Public History, Architecture, or ...

Wood Plc

Architectural Historian

Riverside, CA · Remote

$35 - $40/hr

Overview / Responsibilities Wood is seeking an experienced Architectural Historian to work on-call ... Master's Degree in Architectural History, Historic Preservation, Public History, Architecture, or ...

Wood Plc

Architectural Historian

Coeur D Alene, ID · Remote

$35 - $40/hr

Overview / Responsibilities Wood is seeking an experienced Architectural Historian to work on-call ... Master's Degree in Architectural History, Historic Preservation, Public History, Architecture, or ...

Wood Plc

Architectural Historian

Sacramento, CA · Remote

$35 - $40/hr

Overview / Responsibilities Wood is seeking an experienced Architectural Historian to work on-call ... Master's Degree in Architectural History, Historic Preservation, Public History, Architecture, or ...

Wood Plc

Architectural Historian

Seattle, WA · Remote

$35 - $40/hr

Overview / Responsibilities Wood is seeking an experienced Architectural Historian to work on-call ... Master's Degree in Architectural History, Historic Preservation, Public History, Architecture, or ...

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Public Historian information

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$30.5K

$86.3K

$137.5K

How much do public historian jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for public historian in the United States is $86,335.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,500.00 and $105,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are public historians?

Public historians are professionals who interpret and present history to the public outside of traditional academic settings. They work in museums, archives, historic sites, government agencies, and community organizations, making history accessible and relevant to diverse audiences. Public historians often engage in activities such as curation, exhibit design, oral history projects, and educational programming. Their work helps communities understand and connect with their past, ensuring that history is preserved and communicated in meaningful ways.

How much do public historians make?

Public historians typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Salaries can vary based on the employer, such as museums, government agencies, or universities, and may include benefits like health insurance and retirement plans.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Public Historian, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Public Historian, you need expertise in historical research, interpretation, and public engagement, typically supported by an advanced degree in history or public history. Experience with digital archives, museum collection software, and project management tools is often required, along with knowledge of preservation standards. Exceptional communication, collaboration, and storytelling skills help public historians make history accessible and relevant to diverse audiences. These competencies are vital for preserving historical integrity while engaging the public and supporting educational outreach.

What can I do with a public history degree?

A public historian can work in museums, archives, historic sites, or government agencies, focusing on preserving and interpreting history for the public. They often develop exhibits, educational programs, and manage collections, requiring skills in research, communication, and often familiarity with digital tools. Careers in this field typically involve project management, public engagement, and may require relevant certifications or advanced degrees.

What does a public historian do?

A public historian researches, interprets, and presents history to the public through museums, archives, historic sites, and educational programs. They often use storytelling, exhibit design, and digital tools to make history accessible and engaging for diverse audiences.

What profession makes $300,000 a year?

Public historians typically do not earn $300,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in executive roles, specialized medical professionals, or high-level corporate executives. Most public historians earn a median salary significantly lower, though senior positions or consulting roles may approach higher income levels with extensive experience and additional responsibilities.

What is the difference between Public Historian vs Museum Curator?

AspectPublic HistorianMuseum Curator
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in History, Public History, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Museum Studies, History, or related field
Work EnvironmentHistorical sites, government agencies, community organizationsMuseums, galleries, cultural institutions
Employer & Industry UsagePublic history projects, educational programs, archivesExhibition planning, collection management, curation

Public Historians focus on making history accessible to the public through education, outreach, and preservation projects, often working in community or government settings. Museum Curators primarily manage collections, develop exhibitions, and oversee museum operations. While both roles require history-related credentials and involve public engagement, Public Historians emphasize community-based projects, whereas Museum Curators concentrate on collection and exhibit management.

What are some typical challenges public historians face when working with diverse community groups on historical projects?

Public historians often collaborate with a wide range of community groups, each with their own perspectives and interests regarding historical interpretation. A common challenge is balancing differing viewpoints and ensuring that all voices are represented accurately and respectfully. Effective public historians must employ strong communication and facilitation skills to build trust, navigate sensitive topics, and mediate conflicts. This collaborative approach not only enriches the historical narrative but also fosters meaningful community engagement and learning.
More about Public Historian jobs
What cities are hiring for Public Historian jobs? Cities with the most Public Historian job openings:
What states have the most Public Historian jobs? States with the most job openings for Public Historian jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Public Historian jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Public Historian jobs are:
Public Historian jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Historian job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $86,335 per year, or $41.5 per hour.
Fall 2026- America 250-Ohio Commission Public History Internship

Fall 2026- America 250-Ohio Commission Public History Internship

Ohio History Connection

Columbus, OH • On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Part-time, Internship

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

The Ohio History Connection's mission is to Spark Discovery of Ohio's stories.
Embrace the present, share the past and transform the future.

Position: Fall 2026- America 250-Ohio Commission Public History Internship

Type: Unpaid Internship or Academic Credit Internship

Schedule: Part-time, unpaid ten-week position starting on Monday, September 14- Friday, November 20, 2026

Notes on Schedule: Must be available weekdays for a minimum of 10 hours per week or minimum requirement for academic credit according to university guidelines

Location: Hybrid (Offices in Columbus, events statewide)

Reports to: Theme Months Project Coordinator

Application Period: Applications will be accepted until July 31, 2026. Once the position closes, applications will be reviewed and those candidates best fitting the needs of the position will be contacted for an interview.

About Ohio History Connection:

The Ohio History Connection, formerly the Ohio Historical Society, is a statewide history organization with the mission to spark discovery of Ohio's stories. Chartered in 1885, the OHC carries out history services for Ohio and its citizens focused on preserving and sharing the state's history. This includes housing the state historic preservation office, the official state archives, local history office and managing more than 50 sites and museums across Ohio.

Summary:

The Ohio Commission for the U.S. Semiquincentennial (also referred to as America250-Ohio) was formed through OH. Rev. Code 149.309 and announced on March 1, 2022 on Ohio's Statehood Day by Governor Mike DeWine. America250-Ohio is charged with leading Ohio's celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.

We are seeking an aspiring historian or public historian to play a significant role in our summer 2026 efforts to help Ohioans engage with the rich history and heritage of our state in alignment with America 250-Ohio's 12 Monthly Themes. The America 250-Ohio Public History Intern will support these storytelling efforts by writing blog posts, historic site reviews, and video scripts for a general readership.

Essential Functions

  • Support team to help plan, execute, and promote storytelling efforts
  • Compose blog posts, historic site reviews, and video scripts to highlight different aspects of Ohio's history for a general audience
  • Prepare shorter snippets of longer-form written content for web and social media distribution
  • Assist in preparing video scripts for special projects at historic sites, museums, archives, etc.
  • Contribute to creative historical storytelling for a general audience

Required Education, Skills, Experience:

  • Must be enrolled in an academic program OR a recent graduate from an academic program (within one year)
  • Majors in History, Public History, English, or related field
  • Experience with Word, Adobe Acrobat, Teams, and Outlook

Required Competencies:

  • Works well both independently and with and in support of colleagues to complete work
  • Demonstrates a potential to communicate well in written and verbal communications, including informal mediums like email and meetings

  • Must be able to communicate well with a variety of different community groups and populations

  • Attention to detail

Other Requirements:

  • Must complete a background check and internship onboarding paperwork
  • Must create and account and log hours via Track It Forward
  • Must present at the summer internship summit
  • Must attend professional development opportunities and meetings when requested

Education and Experience Outcomes:

  • Public-facing writing and storytelling experience
  • Experience supporting public history projects/initiatives
  • Understanding of a variety of target audiences
  • Opportunity to develop writing skills and public history experience with wide distribution
  • Team collaboration and networking skills

Application Instructions

To apply, visit www/ohiohistory.org/jobs and use the Applicant Tracking System to apply. Include resume, cover letter, and applicable application materials. For questions and accommodations, email applicant@ohiohistory.org or call 614-297-2500


Job Posted by ApplicantPro